Key Points
- 914-Day Milestone: Qasim and Suleman Khan highlighted that their father has surpassed 914 days in custody, much of it in solitary confinement.
- Visa Obstruction: The brothers, currently residing in London with Jemima Goldsmith, claim their visa applications are being stalled to deny them access to their father.
- Medical Concerns: Allegations of deteriorating health and a “clandestine” transfer to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) have sparked fears of medical neglect.
- PTI Response: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has condemned the government’s refusal to allow access to personal doctors, labeling it a violation of basic human rights.
The sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have issued an urgent appeal to the international community, accusing the current administration of weaponizing the visa process to keep the family separated. Qasim and Suleman Khan, who live in London with their mother, Jemima Goldsmith, have gone public with their frustrations after being unable to secure travel documents to visit their father in prison.
The brothers allege that the Shehbaz Sharif government is intentionally obstructing their entry into Pakistan, a move they describe as a cruel and inhumane punishment. “My father has been held in solitary confinement for 914 days, and we are being prevented from seeing him,” Qasim Khan stated via social media, emphasizing that the denial of family visits is a grave violation of international law.
Fears for Health Amid Secret Hospital Transfer
Concerns regarding the former Prime Minister’s physical condition reached a fever pitch following reports of a secret medical transfer. According to sources within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Khan was moved from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) under the cover of night.
The party has strongly criticized this move, noting that neither the family nor Khan’s legal team were informed of the transfer. PTI leaders claim that Khan is being denied access to his trusted personal physicians, leading to accusations that the government is trying to hide his true medical status. Supporter groups have warned that any harm resulting from medical neglect will be the sole responsibility of the state.
A Cry for International Oversight
In his emotional appeal, Qasim Khan called on global powers and human rights watchdogs, such as Amnesty International and the United Nations, to raise their voices. The family argues that the prolonged isolation and restricted medical care constitute a humanitarian crisis that demands diplomatic pressure.
Legal experts point out that under Pakistani law and international standards, prisoners have the fundamental right to meet their children and receive adequate healthcare. The ongoing visa delays, if continued, could escalate the matter to a diplomatic flashpoint between the UK and Pakistan, given that the sons are British residents.
Harsh Prison Conditions and PTI Stance
The conditions within Adiala Jail have long been a subject of controversy. PTI representatives have repeatedly voiced concerns over the lack of basic amenities and the psychological toll of solitary confinement on the 73-year-old leader. They allege that the government is attempting to “break his spirit” by severing all ties with his family and the outside world.
As the political deadlock in Pakistan continues, the plight of the Khan family has become a central theme for the opposition. Human rights activists argue that regardless of the political charges, the denial of a child’s right to see their sick parent is a line that should not be crossed. The world now watches to see if the Shehbaz Sharif administration will yield to international pressure and facilitate the long-overdue reunion between a father and his sons.
